FG lists activities to mark Independence Day, says celebration will be low-key

The federal government has listed activities to mark the country’s 63rd independence anniversary.

Addressing a press conference on Monday in Abuja, George Akume, secretary to the government of the federation (SGF), said President Bola Tinubu has directed that this year’s celebration be low-key owing to “economic realities”.

Akume said Tinubu is anchoring the anniversary on the “Renewed Hope agenda” which would improve food security, guarantee end to poverty, improve security, boost economic growth and create jobs, among others.

“As you are aware, the president has given his approval for this 63rd anniversary to be low-key in line with the present economic realities,” the SGF said.

“The theme of the anniversary is ‘Nigeria @ 63, Renewed Hope for Unity and Prosperity’.”

Akume said there would be a symposium on September 28 at the conference centre of the presidential villa.

“[There will be a] lecture on Friday, 29th September 2023 at National Mosque Conference Center at 10:00 am and Juma’at Prayer at the National Mosque at 1:00 pm,” he said.

“[There will be a] Presidential Broadcast, Sunday, 1st October, 2023 at 7:00 am.”

The SGF said there would be an inter-denominational church service on October 1 at the National Christian Centre at 10:00 am and a military parade on October 2 at the presidential villa at 9:00am.

Akume said citizens should support the federal government so it could in turn defend their interests.

“The government is fully aware of the economic challenges that Nigerians are confronted with since the removal of the fuel subsidy as well as the impact of the global economic downturn,” he said.

The former senator said the government is working to provide necessary aid to cushion the hardship.